Jennifer Zimmerman
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Jennifer Zimmerman (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 1st Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 6, 2018.
Zimmerman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2018
- See also: Florida's 1st Congressional District election, 2018
General election
Democratic primary election
Republican primary election
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
- See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys
Jennifer Zimmerman participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on June 12, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Jennifer Zimmerman's responses follow below.[1]
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
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Freedom from DEBT: Americans should have access to quality healthcare that is affordable; students should be able to pursue education without worrying about outrageous school loans, whether college or technical school.
Freedom from FEAR: school and workplace safety should be coupled with responsible gun ownership to protect all law-abiding citizens.
Freedom from DISCRIMINATION:
American citizens should have equal rights with regard to gender, race, religion, orientation, class and ethnicity. There should be bipartisan solution in ending the Immigration crisis that is humane with protection especially for children.[2][3]
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What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?
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I am very passionate about quality healthcare for all Americans. No one should be bankrupt or sick or worse, dying due to lack of healthcare.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[3]
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Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Jennifer Zimmerman answered the following:
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?
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I look up to people who have been courageous in standing up for what is right even at the risk of losing one’s freedom and life, such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. I also admire Mother Teresa for her selfless service to the poor.[3]
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What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
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An elected official must never lose sight of his moral compass and his desire to truly serve the “least of his brothers”. One must never sell his soul to greed and corruption. Toughness must always be balanced with compassion.[3]
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What qualities do you possess that would make you a successful officeholder?
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My family rose up from humble beginnings with the guiding principle of Prayer and Work(Ora Et Labora). I am a self-made small business owner, physician and mother. I am the daughter of a WWII veteran and a POW. I have served this district for 2 decades.[3]
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What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
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My responsibility is to listen and hear the hopes and dreams of my constituents so that I can best represent them in Washington. I should be able to interact with everyone from all walks of life, regardless of party affiliation and status in life, just as I have as a physician.[3]
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What legacy would you like to leave?
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I would like to be remembered as the mother of District 1, the woman who inspired her constituents to lift each other up by caring just a little bit more for each other.[3]
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What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at that time?
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I was 8 years old when Martial Law was declared in the Philippines. We lost a lot of freedoms but Ferdinand Marcos was overthrown peacefully by the People Power Revolution.[3]
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What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
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I was a chorus girl in the Broadway musical, Carousel, when I was in High School. I had one line and it lasted for a few weekends.[3]
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What happened on your most awkward date?
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My high school date to the prom drove a Mercedes Benz and when he came to pick me up, he was surrounded by the neighborhood kids from the hood where I lived. Needless to say, the rich kid was scared of my “surroundings” and that was the end of my dream.[3]
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What is your favorite holiday? Why?
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I love Christmas...it reminds me of the humble beginnings of my faith. I love being able to give gifts, especially to the kids in the giving tree.[3]
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What is your favorite book? Why?
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I love to read all kinds of books! I have a few: Of Mice and Men, Tuesday’s with Morrie, The Pearl (John Steinbeck), The Little Prince, To Kill a Mockingbird[3]
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If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?
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The new Wonder Woman....strength with a heart![3]
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What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
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My recliner...I lay on it after a long hard day ( and elevate my tired legs!)[3]
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What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
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The song from Moana, How Far I’ll Go[3]
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What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
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Sometimes I’m impatient and my fiery temper shows... I feel like there’s so much to accomplish![3]
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What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?
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You have the ability to affect the entire country while representing just a district in your state. It’s a powerful position that carries a lot of responsibility.[3]
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Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?
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It certainly doesn’t hurt to be proficient in the political system; however, if you have reasonable intelligence with a willingness to learn and serve with a good heart and clear conscience, then you should be given an opportunity to serve.[3]
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What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?
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We have become so divided that we fail to come together at the table really solve the problems. For example, we know that a healthy population can be more productive and yet, we can’t even provide healthcare for all Americans. Instead we have increasing debt from short-sighted policies such as decreasing government revenue by decreasing the contribution from those who can afford to do so. If we don’t see this as a problem, we are setting us up for another recession that will hurt the 99% but won’t really affect the 1%.[3]
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If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
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Of course, healthcare and education. Immigration reform is also of interest to me because I am an immigrant who knows how convoluted the process can be.[3]
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Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
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Many people have devastating stories about choosing to pay rent to avoid homelessness over healthcare premiums or medical bills. This young working lady paid her rent and skipped a health premium payment so she lost her health insurance. The next month, she collapsed and almost died from a devastating heart abnormality. She doesn’t know how to pay the hundreds of thousands she owes the hospital and doctors for her stay in the ICU and multiple surgical procedures.[3]
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